Latvian Museum of Natural History in Riga – Nature in Latvia and the Baltics

The Latvian Museum of Natural History – Latvijas Dabas muzejs – is Latvia's largest natural history museum and one of the oldest in the entire Baltics. With over 4 million items spanning zoology, botany, geology, and paleontology, it is a fascinating museum for anyone interested in the nature of Latvia and Northern Europe. Here's everything you need to know.

Quick Facts

• Address: Krišjāņa Barona iela 4, Rīga
• Founded: 1845 – one of the oldest museums in the Baltics
• Collection: Over 4 million items
• Recommended visit time: 1.5-2 hours
• Admission: Approx. 3-5 EUR – reduced price for children and students

Why visit the Latvian Museum of Natural History?

Latvia is a country with extraordinary nature – dense forests, pristine bogs, long sandy beaches, and rich wildlife. The museum provides a systematic and engaging overview of this nature and is a perfect complement to a trip to Jūrmala, Gauja National Park, or the Latvian forests.

For families with children, it is one of the most suitable museums in Riga – the large stuffed animals, fossils, and interactive elements naturally capture children's attention and curiosity.

What to see?

Zoology Department

The most popular department with an impressive selection of stuffed animals from Latvia and the rest of the world. The large mammals – elk, bear, wolf, and beaver – are particularly impressive up close. The bird collection is one of the most complete in the Baltics.

Paleontology Department